Researchers have found new clues about the deadly white-nose syndrome, a disease that has wiped out millions of bats in North America.

According to BBC, a study found that bats in China showed strong resistance to the fungal infection responsible for the deaths. The fungus invades the skin of the bats and causes characteristic white markings on the face and wings. The scientists involved in the report say some American species may evolve the ability to fight the disease.

White nose syndrome (WNS) is the name given to the bat disease caused by exposure to the fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans. The fungus thrives in the cold, damp caves frequented by bats. Recent research indicates that it most likely originated in Europe and was carried to North America by humans. Since the disease first appeared in the US in 2006, it has caused mass die-offs of bats, with an estimated six million dead so far.

bbabo.Net